On Defensive Shores

A song about the evangelical missionary John Allen Chau, who died while repeatedly trying to convert an island tribe, the people of North Sentinel Island.

 

Growing up in the western world,
he became a man with a mission
All signs are there, it is his call
to convert the heathens.

An isolated tribe in the Indian Ocean
is the perfect target
Never heard the Gospel,
their pagan ways must be banned.

John, oh John, leave these people alone,
kala pani, you’re not the chosen one
John, oh John, keep your faith to yourself
Soli Deo Gloria, your Lord will forsake you,
on defensive shores you will end.

But he cannot be stopped,
and by the authority of Jesus
enters the forbidden island,
spreading fear – in the name of love.

Satan’s last stronghold on earth,
that’s what he calls the place
He’s up to the challenge,
whatever it takes.

The people are hostile,
they sure want him to leave
But it’s their will against God’s,
the Lord will prevail.

Satan’s last stronghold on earth,
that’s what he calls the place
He’s up to the challenge,
whatever it takes.

John, oh John, at the bounds of the earth,
you’re still trapped in your own world
John, oh John, keep your faith to yourself
Always preaching, never listening
JC, self-ordained messiah,
on defensive shores you will die.

Enraged by your defiance,
they take up arms
Body riddled with arrows
Oh John, your corpse floats away.

Zealots all over the world,
you may not give a damn
about freedom and life,
but hear ye, the fight has just begun.